The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) has extended the registration deadline for federal assistance November 15 for residents and businesses who suffered losses or damages during Tropical Storm Irene.

Property owners faced with paying higher insurance deductibles, such as hurricane deductibles, may be eligible for federal grants or low-interest federal loans because of their higher out-of-pocket costs needed to settle their insurance claims. The higher deductibles could fall under FEMA’s eligible criteria of “insurance settlement is insufficient to meet your losses.” Registering with FEMA will help property owners determine if they are eligible.

Individuals can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov anytime or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Individuals with a speech or hearing disability may call (TTY) 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are staffed seven days a week, from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. local time until further notice. Help in most languages is available. Registration for federal assistance can also be made directly through web-enabled mobile devices or smartphones at fema.gov.

FEMA extended the deadline from Nov. 3 to Nov. 15 due to the October snowstorm.

Consumers with questions or complaints regarding their claims are urged to contact the Connecticut Insurance Department at 1-800-203-3447 or visit the Department’s Web site at:www.ct.gov/cid and click on Question/Complaint. For more resources on Irene claims, please visit the Insurance Department’s Irene Resources page.

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About the Connecticut Insurance Department: The mission of the Connecticut Insurance Department is to serve consumers in a professional and timely manner by providing assistance and information to the public and to policy makers, by regulating the insurance industry in a fair and efficient manner.